We Give Thee But Thine Own

By William Walsham How

Lyrics

1. We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.

2. May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive,
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our firstfruits give.

3. O hearts are bruised and dead,
And homes are bare and cold,
And lambs for whom the Shepherd bled
Are straying from the fold.

4. To comfort and to bless,
To find a balm for woe,
To tend the lone and fatherless
Is angels’ work below.

5. The captive to release,
To God the lost to bring,
To teach the way of life and peace—
It is a Christ-like thing.

6. And we believe Thy Word,
Though dim our faith may be;
Whate’er for Thine we do, O Lord,
We do it unto Thee.

Bible Reference

1 Chronicles 29:14

About This Hymn

“We Give Thee But Thine Own” is a hymn written by Bishop William Walsham How, a well-known Anglican clergyman of the nineteenth century who was often referred to as “the poor man’s bishop” because of his humility and care for the working class. The hymn was first published in 1858 in Hymns for Saints’ Days and Other Hymns, a collection he compiled. It was intended to remind believers that all possessions and blessings come directly from God and that any gifts or offerings given to Him are simply returning what is already His. The text is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly 1 Chronicles 29:14, where King David acknowledges that everything offered for the temple was already God’s own provision. This biblical principle of stewardship is the foundation of the hymn, making it a timeless piece for services focused on offerings, missions, and Christian generosity.

The words of this hymn are simple yet profound, emphasizing that Christian giving is not a matter of ownership but of gratitude. How’s writing avoids ornate language, instead choosing clarity and humility, which mirrors his own character. His pastoral heart is evident, as the hymn does not merely focus on monetary giving, but frames every gift of time, talent, and treasure as an act of worship. The repeated acknowledgment that “all things come of Thee” encourages believers to see stewardship not as a duty to fulfill reluctantly, but as a joyful privilege, since nothing they possess is truly their own. The hymn’s theology is rich, connecting practical Christian living with a high view of God’s sovereignty and provision.

Throughout church history, “We Give Thee But Thine Own” has been a staple in offertory moments in Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran, and many other Protestant traditions. The hymn’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to unite congregations in a prayerful acknowledgment of God’s lordship over all material and spiritual blessings. William Walsham How’s legacy as a hymn writer includes many pieces still sung today, but this hymn stands out for its simplicity and universality. Its message continues to resonate with Christians of every generation, teaching that generosity flows naturally from a heart that recognizes God’s ownership over all creation. By singing it, believers are reminded that their giving is not a transaction, but a sacred act of worship and thanksgiving to the Lord who provides all things.